Why it's done

You have another condition, such as nonseasonal depression or insomnia, and your doctor recommends it.

You want to try treatment that is safe and has few side effects.

You want to increase the effectiveness of antidepressant medication or mental health counseling (psychotherapy).

You need to avoid antidepressant medications during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.

It may allow you to take a lower dose of antidepressant medication.

Light therapy for conditions other than SAD

In addition to seasonal affective disorder, light therapy is used as a treatment for other conditions, including:

Types of depression that don't occur seasonally

Jet lag

Sleep disorders

Adjusting to a nighttime work schedule

Dementia

Light therapy is also used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis. However, this is different from the type of light therapy used for SAD and the other conditions above. Light therapy for skin disorders uses a lamp that emits ultraviolet (UV) light. This type of light is filtered out in light therapy boxes because it can damage the eyes and skin.

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